Hi Dave,

I have done this, (Not on something as quite as big as the QE), and this worked for me.

Join the Hull halves together, including any internal bulkheads stiffening), I did try to apply glue to the upper sections of the bulkheads only (worked on most of them), and fit the main deck, basically get a nice rigid structure.

Mark just below the waterline all round with masking tape.

Then carefully and slowly, with a razor saw cut just below the masking tape. Once cut all round the lower hull should just come away, trim the bulkhead flush, I used side cutters to remove the lower section of the offending bulkheads.

Sand the lower hull to the exact waterline your require. it as advisable to keep checking the you don't sand in a list.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Si

Thanks Todd,

I am pleased with the fit of the deck, was very good.

A bit nervous about overspraying the wood, especially over the anchor ways, may mist another flat coat over the tape when I have it down.

Appreciate your support.

Cheers

Si

Looks great, Si!!

The wooden deck really makes a difference!! And the over-sprayed baltic camouflage looks good, as well! The hull already resemble a Bismarck without doubt!!

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks Jan,

Always is a big part moment in a build like this, getting the deck down.

Cheers

Si

Cracking job so far Si, looking really good. I'm going to steal your technique using the foil for masking large areas as well, I just happen to have a large commercial roll that one of my clients gave me a while back so it will be put to good use.

Cheers, D

Thanks Damian,

And please feel free, the foil method has saved me quite a bit od cash over the years.

Cheers

Si

Todays job, the overpainted air recognition stripes.

Masking off, the kit masks were used to measure the strips.





The whole trip painted white.



The white circle masked.



The red painted in.



mask for the swastika removed.



The swastika painted and the masks removed.



a bit of additional masking to protect from overspray.



Oversprayed and masks off, bit heavy on the bow.



just about right on the quarterdeck.



cheers

Si

Today's update.

The shelterdeck removed from the sprue and test fitted. a lttle fight but good.



Removing the detail to allow fitting the wood decks. The forward 37mm splinte shielding.



The after ones come off too, this time along with the stowage boxes.



and cleaned up.



The shelterdeck built up and test fitted.



so far so good.

The interior hanger deck fitted.



Brass cladding for the exterior bulkheads.

Part one.



in place.



As far as got today.



The inset for stbd No.1 15cm mount goes up another dek, so that will wait until the lower bridge structure is fitted.

Cheers

Si

Very nice work, Si!!

No I am getting the idea why you think this Bismarck would take you a while to finish...but still you are making good and fast progress!! Looks fantastic!

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks Jan,

Told you this was going to be a long build mate. These are just the cladding, there is loads of details for the vents and stuff to go on these before I can put pain on.

Thanks for the kind comment.

Cheers

Si

Si, that brass cladding looks great. certainly easier than adding doors, vents, portholes etc individually.
On your your covering for the air recognition strips are you going to try and further wash the covering away to bring through the insignia a bit more? I think it would look better with a bit of thinning.


cheers

Michael

Hi Michael,

Good thought, certainly on the anchor ways, the fo'c's'le can be a busy place, with cables and chain stoppers rubbing as the ship moved in the seaway.

I think I will leave the quarterdeck as is, as the markings just about show through.

Thanks for the idea.

Cheers

Si

Wow Si, 3 for 3! I go away for one weekend and miss all these updates!

Great stuff!

Thanks for the show!

Welcome Russ,

Like to keep things moving on, especially with a project this big and complex.

Cheers

Si.

Nicely played Si! The PE superstructure sides make a huge difference! Keep a whip on those guys at the docks my friend!

Thanks Todd,

Got them working hard, lots of detail to go on the brass skins once I have them and some deck details on.

Cheers,

Si

A small progress today.

The skins all on the starboard side.



Started on the port side.



Lumps and bumps removed from the after port side.



Good thing about posting, just noticed the door just aft of the catapult that needs sanding off before I go any further.

Cheers

Si

The 'skin' is looking good, Si - at some areas it looks as if there is more stuff needed to be added on top, or ist that a wrong impression? But even as it it seems quite an improvement over the original parts...

Off topic - Now, YOUR Hood IS big...and I thought mine would be a fairly sized model...

Cheers,
Jan

Hi Jan,

Yes there is, lots of lovely little bits to go on, gatches, lockers, mounts for booms, paravanes etc.

Yup the 200th is big, but at first blush it looks like they gave corrected at least some of the errors of the 1/350th kit. (Don't think Mrs Duster is impressed)

Cheers

Si

That is some beautiful work going on Si......Cheers Mark

Thanks Mark,

I am loving the all the detail in the Pontos set, this is my most ambitious build yet in those terms.

Cheers

Si

Today's progress.

Cladding on the port side completed.



The lower forebridge components, need a few details need removing prior to assembly



Done.



Assembled



fixed in place.



The cladding that goes behind the forward 5.9" mounts bent to shape.



Fitted, needs a little bedding in.



And the catapult deck piece in as well.



More tomorrow.

Cheers

Si

The long slog,

The detail going on the shelter deck bulkheads.

First bits on.



The first session, in need of a break.



As far as I got today.



I haven't counted, but about 40 pieces to just that section,

Loads to go yet.

Cheers

Si

Wow Si, those first additions on the bulkhead skin - that's amazing!! Now that REALLY makes a difference!! Fantastic work!

Cheers,
Jan

Thanks Jan,

I am impressed the depth all these details add. It will take some very careful washing after airbrushing to bring it out.

It is some upgade set, this bit is going to be a labour of love, and I shall enjoy every minute

Cheers

Si